Keep your lawn a little longer. Set your mower on a higher setting. Taller grass cools the soil and encourages deeper roots. Don't forget to keep grass shorter than six inches to comply with city code.

Control weeds. Weeds steal water and nutrients from grass and other plants.

Aerate. Aerating helps roots grow deeper, creating a stronger lawn.

Fertilize. Use an organic fertilizer or compost early in the year when conditions are wet.

Prune during the winter when plants are dormant.

Add shade. Shade cast by trees can cool by as much as 20 degrees.

Choose a low-water grass for our dry state.

Reduce the amount of lawn you have on your property. If you add to your flowerbeds, be sure to use drought-resistant plants.